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locale: en_US
title: Bottoms Up Detail
facet_type_id: 31d56080-5f2c-1032-b39a-fd496c695c9f
html_text: As a kid, Nick earned his pocket money by working in the local marina, detailing and bottom painting boats. While time led to other careers, he ventured back to boats when a coworker asked for assistance, helping Nick rediscover a passion for the work. He soon opened his own boat-detailing business, Bottoms Up Detail, only he didn't stop there. One customer asked about a car. More wondered if Nick did motorcycles, trucks, homes, or trailers. Today, with four mobile truck cleaning teams and a state-of-the-art 2,000-square-foot cleaning facility, Nick and his staff tackle any job that comes their way.

Get your sea legs ready! Black Diamond Marine in Bridgewater provides quality vessels so you can have a boating experience that is both relaxing and fun.
Parking is plentiful, so patrons can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Hitting some rough seas in your life? Take some time to unwind on one of the many lovely boats at Berwick Marine Sales and Service in West Bridgewater.
Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Set your course for Plymouth Watersport in Plymouth for a relaxing afternoon of boating on one of their ship-shape vessels.
If you've worked up an appetite, no worries! This center also has a fabulous restaurant.
Having trouble finding that family-friendly activity everyone will love? This center is made for all ages, so little ones are welcome to come along, too.
Parking is plentiful, so patrons can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Take a relaxing outing on the waters when you rent a vessel from Monahan's Marine in Weymouth.
The doors are open for you at this center with their people friendly restaurant and great, home-cooked food.
Bring your favorite furball along to Monahan's Marine — it has a dog-friendly policy and keeps its doors open to pooches.
Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Ever wanted to experience the relaxing life of a boater? Now you can with Hingham Shipyard Marinas in Hingham.
Sure you could eat at home, but you'll want to take advantage of this center's restaurant for high-class food.
Save money on a sitter — kids are welcome to join in the fun at this center.
Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Groupon Guide

Earlier this year, we learned that Great Lakes Cruise Company was preparing to launch its massive ocean liner, the M.S. Saint Laurent, on a route between Chicago and Montreal. There’s hardly a better way to see all the beauty the Great Lakes region has to offer—if, of course, you can stomach a price tag of up to $7,999 for a one-way trip. Then again, maybe there’s something to be said for getting to know the Great Lakes on an individual basis. After all, each of them has something unique to offer, from the sheer sandstone cliffs of Lake Superior to the historic lighthouses of Lake Ontario. We’ve compiled a list of “Great” cruises that we think do these Great Lakes justice. Bon voyage!Lake Superior | Pictured Rocks CruiseDeparts from: The city dock in downtown Munising, MI Why It’s Great: The spectacular sandstone cliffs of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore have been naturally sculpted over time, and some of them now stretch 200 feet above lake level. This narrated boat tour will take you right up to the edge of the cliffs, where you can peer into the shallow caves and marvel at the streaks of color caused by groundwater leaching out of the rocks. When to Go: July or August. In these months, a park ranger narrates the return trip on the 10 a.m. cruise. Length: 2.5–3 hours (40-mile round trip)Lake Michigan | Tall Ship WindyDeparts from: Navy Pier in Chicago, IL Why It’s Great: Windy is the only four-masted tall ship in the country, and as such it presents a sailing opportunity unlike any other on the Great Lakes or elsewhere. Tours highlight Chicago’s stunning lakeside architecture or delve into the lives of pirates who used to prowl Lake Michigan’s shores. There’s even a ghost tour that runs through October, when you might not be able to tell if it’s the wind or the tales chilling your bones. When to Go: Most tours run daily from May to October. Check Groupon for upcoming deals when planning your trip. Length: 75 minutes (distance varies)Lake Huron | Charity Island 1857 Island Lighthouse Dining CruiseDeparts from: Caseville, MI Why It’s Great: There’s not much in the way of development on Charity Island—just a lighthouse, a few scattered buildings, and a small marina. Of course, that’s exactly the point. This tiny outpost in Saginaw Bay has fended off new real-estate projects, which means that its crown jewel is still the charming lighthouse built in 1857. BYOB boat tours arrive at the marina, which is just a short, scenic walk away from the lighthouse. That’s where you’ll enjoy a delightfully local dinner, headlined by Great Lakes yellow perch and artisan french bread baked onsite in a wood-burning stove. When to Go: Beginning May 25, tours run every weekend through the second Saturday in October. Length: Dinner cruises leave at 4 p.m. and return at sunset (approximately 20 miles round trip)Lake Erie | Daytime Island-Hopping CruiseDeparts from: Jackson Street Pier in Sandusky, OH Why It’s Great: This full-day excursion features two island stops, both of which allow plenty of time for exploration by bike, golf cart, or tour train. The first leg takes you to scenic Kelley’s Island—though not before passing within photo distance of Marblehead Lighthouse and Cedar Point’s towering roller coasters. At noon, the boat hops over to Put-in-Bay on historic South Bass Island for a 3.5-hour stay before heading back to the mainland. If you want to stay overnight on Kelley’s Island, the boat can drop you off there on the way back. When to Go: Though some trips depart in June, the cruise’s regular Tuesday–Saturday schedule runs from July through the end of August. Length: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Lake Ontario | Mariposa Cruises Scenic Toronto Harbor TourDeparts from: Pier 6 at Queen’s Quay and York Street in Toronto, ON Why It’s Great: Sure, Niagara Falls and its stately Maid of the Mist aren’t far away, but you probably already knew that (and it’s just a waterfall, anyway). Mariposa’s Toronto Harbor Tours celebrate wonders both natural and manmade, not the least of which is the scenic Toronto skyline. The comfortable boats offer plenty of room to spread out as you learn about the city’s history from a guide. When to Go: Tours depart five times daily throughout the summer months, beginning at noonLength: 45 minutesImages: Miner's Castle by Flickr user Kari under CC BY 2.0. Pictured Rocks by Stephanie McDaniel, Groupon. Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier courtesy of Tall Ship Windy. Huron by Flickr user Nic Redhead under CC BY-SA 2.0. The Marblehead lighthouse by Flickr user Benimoto and Toronto Skyline by Flickr user Christine Wagner, both under CC BY 2.0.

There are few things sadder than a sailboat stranded in harbor during the long winter months. Thankfully, now that summer is finally upon us, boating enthusiasts can begin to unfurl their sails and hit the water once more. But before casting off to sea, you might want to know which sailing facts are actually, well, not facts at all. We found five common myths about sailing that might be of use to you, especially if you’re planning to marry your first mate while onboard.Myth: Sailboats Always Have the Right of WayJust like cars, boats have their own complicated rules of the road—er, water. For example, when two boats cross paths, one must serve as the “stand-on” vessel (the boat that continues on its course) and the other must serve as the “give-way” vessel (the boat that turns to avoid collision). So, how do you decide which is which? It’s tricky. Whereas a motorboat has to give way to any sailboat whose engine isn’t running, a sailboat with its engine running is technically considered to be a motorboat, and the two captains must determine who has more maneuverability before making a decision. If you’re as confused as we are, check out this simple breakdown that will help prevent any nautical fender benders.Myth: Lakes Are Always Calmer Than the OceanLakes may be smaller than the ocean, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re calmer. Since all of the water is contained in a finite area, the waves tend to be closer together, resulting in more frequent motion when the wind is blowing. It’s also easier for waves to bounce off the opposite shore and further jostle the waters. So, while you’re not likely to run into a shark on Lake Michigan, there are plenty of other hazards to look out for.Myth: You Should Never Sail in the RainAlthough you should always keep tabs on the wind and never go out in a lightning storm, rain by itself can actually be a boon when sailing. Raindrops tend to calm the waters by suppressing wave formation, and a savvy sailor will know how to harness the rain’s downward force and turn it into momentum for the boat. Just be sure to check the weather report ahead of time, wear waterproof gear, and take care not to slip on the deck.Myth: Anything is Legal on International WatersCredit The Simpsons for popularizing this myth (Mr. Burns once called international waters “the land that law forgot”), but it’s still just that—a myth. While there are huge swathes of the ocean not owned by anyone, every ship has to fly the flag of its country of origin, and thus obey the laws of that country, no matter where it’s sailing. In fact, the United Nations had an entire convention on sea regulations back in 1982, when they laid out all the rules in one very dense, very law-abiding document.Only Half-Myth: Your Boat Captain Can Perform a Marriage Ceremony OnboardCan your boat captain marry you onboard? Of course he can! But only if he’s an ordained minister or someone else who has the authority to do so. Outside of that, a captain has never been allowed to marry two people just because he’s captain. No one’s sure exactly where this myth comes from, but we suspect Captain Stubing and The Love Boat may have something to do with it.Photos: Andrew Nawrocki, Groupon.

The call of the sea is notoriously hard to resist. But unless you’re already a sailor or the ghost of Ernest Hemingway, taking a boat out on the water can seem a daunting task. To begin your journey, you’ll first need to figure out which type of vessel best suits your needs.Thankfully, the experts behind Chicago’s Tall Ship Windy are here to help. Windy is the only four-masted tall ship in the country, and as such it presents a unique sailing opportunity on the waters of Lake Michigan. We spoke with Captain John “The White Tiger” Ludvik, who let us know which other seaworthy vessels are worthy of our attention.Tall ShipThis elegant boat embodies the adventurous spirit of a 19th-century schooner—the vessel on which American and European sailors traversed the world by sea.Pro: Today’s tall ships offer a surprisingly smooth ride and plenty of space for up to 150 passengers to spread out. Despite its intimidating bulk, Captain John claims that the larger tall ship “is easier to handle than a small boat, once you know how to sail.”Con: You can’t sail one of these by yourself. Tall Ship Windy, for example, is manned by a multitalented crew. Some people man the sails while others keep a weather eye on the horizon, scanning the waters for signs of kraken.DinghyDinghies tend to be smaller rowboats, though some are rigged for sailing. Some are used as lifeboats for larger ships, but others can be taken out on solo explorations.Pro: Dinghies come in a number of sizes, all a variation on “small.” This means that both children and adults can use them to explore the waters at their own pace. According to Captain John, they’re also a great way to escape a desert island—provided yours has a sail attached to it. “The nice thing about a sailboat,” the Captain says, “is that it can sail … forever … You can sail around the world with just a boat and a sail.”Con: Sailing around the world by yourself sounds pretty lonely, doesn’t it? These smaller boats also can get pushed around in storms and tend to capsize more often. Of lesser probability but equal concern: a shark might mistake you for a really fat and misshapen seal.KayakA personal hunting boat first used by the Inuit and Aleut people, the kayak was originally constructed from stitched animal skins over a wood or whalebone frame. Today, they’re far more likely to be made of fiberglass or polyethylene.Pro: Captain John says “boating is an avenue to go out into nature.” To extend his metaphor, think of the kayak as a sleek, hand-powered motorcycle. No matter what you want to see, a small, maneuverable kayak can go pretty much anywhere—from the ocean to a small inland creek.Con: “A kayak doesn’t have a keel,” Captain John warns. This means that it is more prone to tipping over. On the plus side, there’s no better way to get acquainted with marine life.MotorboatAs its name implies, a motorboat is simply a boat that’s powered by an engine, making it the fastest (and loudest) option on our list.Pro: Captain John and his friends favor motorboats on days when they just want to “get away.” They’re especially useful if your goal is to zoom around and scoff at sailboats stuck in the doldrums, those periods of still wind that halt ships.Con: The exhaust fumes and loud noises can spoil the silence of the sea, which speaks to those who know how to listen.Standup PaddleboardThis isn’t really a boat, but it is a seaworthy vessel and a popular way to explore calmer ocean inlets. Some paddleboarders even practice yoga out on the water.Pro: One of the smallest “boats” out there, this narrow board is highly transportable. It’s also remarkably easy to master: just place it in the water, stand on top, and paddle your way out.Con: Well, it’s actually not that easy. Paddleboarding is all about perfecting your balance. It can certainly be relaxing, but you have to expect a few splashes first.Ice BoatThis is a boat made entirely of ice. Just kidding. It’s a variation on the sailboat that’s fitted with skis or runners so it can travel over ice instead of water.Pro: People who live in or near the Arctic only get liquid water for a few months out of the year. During those long winters, the ice boat transforms from a water vessel into an ice-skating boat, thanks to the skis along its underside.Con: Can fly at speeds of up to 56 miles per hour, but cannot seem to nail the Salchow jump.HorseEquus ferus caballus.Pro: “There are a lot of different folk songs about taking your horse in the water,” Captain John claims. So, um, somebody has to find this appealing.Con: Can’t actually swim.Want to explore sailing further? Check Groupon for deals on Tall Ship Windy, which runs tours from Chicago’s Navy Pier throughout the warmer months.Photography: Andrew Nawrocki, Groupon.